21st Century Belle
Shayla Raye Sommerville Toulon ’06
Biography
Shayla Raye Sommerville Toulon ’06
Shayla Raye Sommerville Toulon’s journey reflects the intersection of ambition, service, and the pursuit of excellence—a path forged through her time at Bennett College. For her, Bennett wasn’t just an educational experience; it was a life-shaping chapter, one that laid the foundation for her continued success and passion. Under the leadership of Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, Shayla was immersed in the daily example of Black excellence, which deeply influenced her career in communications and sparked her commitment to service and change.
Upon graduating in 2006, Shayla set her sights on becoming a broadcast journalist, initially serving as an entertainment correspondent for some of Atlanta’s most influential networks, including The Young, Black, and Fabulous (YBF) and N’Style Atlanta. These platforms gave her the opportunity to connect with—and interview— key figures in Black culture, from established stars to rising talents. Her experience in the media industry helped her hone her storytelling and communication skills, but in 2010, Shayla made a bold pivot, transitioning into the tech world.
Taking on the role of Account Manager at Seamless, she soon made her mark in the corporate sphere, which led to her next chapter at Uber. There, she played a pivotal role in the development and growth of Uber Eats in Atlanta. Shayla’s impact didn’t stop there. Today, she serves as a Program Manager in Supply Chain at Google, continuing to thrive in the tech industry and make her mark in the corporate world.
One of Shayla’s proudest moments came when she was able to advocate for Bennett College, successfully securing a generous $100,000 donation. She reflects on this achievement with deep gratitude: “It was an honor to give back to the place that shaped me into the woman I am today,” she shares.
Despite her career trajectory in tech, Shayla’s passion for journalism and media remains as strong as ever. She is currently working on launching her own YouTube channel, where she hopes to explore and elevate the entertainment space further. Looking ahead, Shayla aspires to follow in the footsteps of her role model, Oprah Winfrey, and become a voice that inspires and empowers others.